Super PAC forms to support Treadwell

JUNEAU— A super PAC has formed to support Republican Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell’s run for U.S. Senate in Alaska.

A statement of organization for Freedom’s Frontier was recently filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Alan Philp, a spokesman for the independent expenditure group, said Tuesday that Freedom’s Frontier will have an “Alaska-centric team” running it, including treasurer Steve Wackowski. Wackowski was a spokesman for Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s 2010 campaign. Philp said he expected to be able to release names of additional leaders in the next month.

Treadwell, first elected to his current post in 2010, is one of several Republicans who have announced plans to seek the seat held by Democrat Mark Begich. Others include Joe Miller — who upset Murkowski in the 2010 GOP primary but lost in the general election after she mounted an historic write-in campaign — and lesser-known John Jaramillo and Kathleen Tonn.

Philp called Treadwell an “electable conservative” who will do a great job for Alaska. He said his group’s messaging will be focused on things like Treadwell’s record and attributes as a candidate.

At least one other group has been formed to support Begich’s run.

The Put Alaska First PAC, which has billed itself as nonpartisan effort created to increase voter participation among Alaskans, was formed earlier this year. Treasurer Jim Lottsfeldt said one of the goals of the committee will be to encourage people from all parties to vote for Begich.

Lottsfeldt said it’s been good having a senator from both the Republican and Democratic parties currently serving Alaska.

“We’re organized around the principle of, we’re going to do what’s best for Alaska and we don’t care about the other stuff,” like party labels, he said.

He said he’s not sure if the group will get involved in the U.S. House race. He said the group might decide to support Republican Rep. Don Young, someone with a “better story to tell” might jump in or the group might sit that race out.